Akron’s only remaining independent art supply store is closing its doors on Christmas Eve. A constant presence on Carroll Street since 1970, the business began long before that as Pockrandt’s Paint & Supply. Years ago every entity that had a graphics department had an account at Ruppel’s. While employed at the Akron Public Library and later the City of Akron, trips to Ruppel’s for the necessities: display board, paint, ink and pens, also involved browsing among all of the other goodies. At the time I wouldn’t have believed that I would ever be nostalgic about One Shot Lettering Enamel or sheets of Chartpak Transfer Type – never say never! In recent years I have stopped in whenever I needed my favorite paper (Strathmore series 500 sheets) and mat board (Crescent 1613 rag) – and, yes, I purchased the last three sheets of that board.

Ruppel’s was affected by changes in both the art supply business and their customer base, all of which was covered in Betty Lin-Fisher’s article in the Akron Beacon Journal. Although it’s sad to say good-bye, I wish the best to Harold Ruppel and Steve Rarick and hope our paths cross again.